Calcium in Vegetarian Diet

Humans absorb about 30% of the calcium in foods, but this varies depending upon the type of food consumed.
Vegetarians might absorb less calcium than omnivores because they consume more plant products containing oxalic and phytic acids.
Lacto-ovo vegetarians (who consume eggs and dairy) and nonvegetarians have similar calcium intakes. However, vegans, who eat no animal products and ovo-vegetarians (who eat eggs but no dairy products), might not obtain sufficient calcium because of their avoidance of dairy foods.
In the Oxford European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition, bone fracture risk was similar in meat eaters, fish eaters and vegetarians, but higher in vegans, likely due to their lower mean calcium intake.

High intake of calcium from supplements, but not foods, has been associated with increased risk of kidney stones. Kidney stones in the urinary tract are most commonly composed of calcium oxalate.

The recommended daily intake of calcium is from 1,000 to 1,200 mg for adults.

In addition to calcium data, we provide the macronutrient data for each food listed in this vegetarian food database.
To display the hidden nutrient data, click on the appropriate checkboxes in list above.